Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas travels to Libya, Aug. 17, 2020    © Janine Schmitz/photothek.net

By Gary Raynaldo       DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas paid a surprise visit to Libya’s capital city Tripoli Monday  to urge an end to the bloody civil conflict. The Foreign Minister’s two-day trip is focused on making progress in the conflict in Libya as well as the situation in the region as a whole, including the rapprochement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, Yemen and Iran. Mass held talks with Prime Minister Fayez Serraj from Libya’s internationally recognized government to discuss how to reach peace with military strongman Khalifa Haftar.

“In Libya at the moment we are observing a deceptive calm. Both sides and their international allies are continuing to massively arm the country and holding firm to their preconditions for a ceasefire.”

-German Foreign Minister Maas 

Mass pointed out that ending the oil embargo and ensuring fairer distribution of oil revenues are also crucial for resolving the conflict in Libya. Mass discussed this issue with Mustafa Sanalla, Chairman of the National Oil Corporation. The German foreign minister also discussed the situation of refugees in Libya during his visit.  “For a long time we have been calling for the closure of the detention centres and the establishment of alternatives in urban regions. Effective measures to finally combat human trafficking networks also need to be undertaken. Germany continues to stand ready to support Libya on this path together with its European and international partners.”

Maas also pressed for the establishment of a demilitarised zone around Sirte. “The United Nations has submitted a sound proposal for this zone via UNSMIL.”